Veysonnaz

Details

Small, quiet, family resort, sunny in the afternoon, at the foot of an excellent, long red slope from the ridge above Thyon in Verbier's Four Valleys network. A second excellent red regularly used for international races descends to the isolated lift base of Mayens de l'Ours, a bus-ride outside Veysonnaz. Veysonnaz is a small, family resort, sunny in the afternoon, at the foot of an excellent, long red slope from the ridge above Thyon. A second excellent (though often icy) red, regularly used for major races, descends to the isolated lift base of Mayens-de-L'Ours. The resort is spread widely across and down the hillside, with extensive views across the Rhône valley. The original attractive old village, complete with church, is two hairpin bends below Veysonnaz Station, the lift base and the main focus of the place for the visitor. The link up to Thyon is an eight-seat gondola, but progress from there towards Verbier is a slow business because of antique lifts. Taking a car means you can drive to Siviez for much quicker access to the Verbier slopes. Shuttle-buses serve the lifts, but they are not super-frequent and do not run on Saturdays. Veysonnaz Station has the essential facilities - half a dozen bars and cafes, four restaurants, a disco or two and a wellness centre with swimming pool and spa facilities (closed Saturdays). There are adequate shops, including a butcher and baker. Accommodation is mainly in apartments - substantial chalet-style buildings dotted along the road the lift base is on. There are plenty of smaller chalets, too. There are two 3-star hotels next to the gondola station: the Chalet Royal has 'stunning views', though not from all rooms, and 'generally good' food. The Magrappé has 'a bit of atmosphere' and is more the focus of lively après-ski. There are some B&Bs. There are two schools: Swiss and Neige Aventure. And there is a children's day care centre on the mountain. A 5km cross-country trail has great views.